Carson National Forest

Recreational Activities

Camping in the Carson National Forest

Leave No Trace!
Thousands of visitors to Carson National Forest have a tremendous impact on the land. It's up to all of us to minimize our impact, to travel softly, leaving no trace of our visit so that future generations can enjoy the woods and mountains we all love.

You Don't Have to Camp in a Campground
National Forests mean room to roam. You can camp anywhere
in Carson National Forest. Some restrictions apply. Please
check with the local Forest Service Office.

How Long Can I Camp in Carson National Forest?
Stay limit is 14 days.

Your Campsite
Look for a site that:

• Is at least 200 feet from water. This will help protect water quality and minimize pollution.
• Has a good place for a tent, where you will not have to destroy vegetation. Try using a hammock and a tarp instead of a tent.
• Is out of sight of the trail, unless you are at a designated site.
• Wear sneakers or light shoes around camp to avoid trampling vegetation.
• The high ridges of the Carson National Forest tend to be steep and densely vegetated. Allow plenty of time to find a good campsite.

Your Campfire
Campfires can cause unnecessary signs of human presence and ugly scars on the landscape. Please use a portable stove instead.

Campfire Safety

If you must have a fire:

• Use only fallen, dead wood. Don't cut down snags, since animals rely on these for homes.
• Keep your fire small.
• Clear away duff and forest litter to prevent the fire from spreading. A fire ring isn't necessary!
• Never leave your fire unattended
• Be sure it's dead out and leave no trace of your fire when you leave.
• Remember, a candle can be a focus point for a group instead of a campfire!

Can I Drink the Water?
The answer to this question is an emphatic yes - and no. No matter how clear or pure the water may look, it's a good idea to purify all unprotected water. Water-borne parasites, including Giardia Lambia, have been found in Carson National Forest water. Purification methods include chemical treatment, filtration, and boiling.
Fish, clean water and soap (even biodegradable ones) don't mix. Wash your dishes - and yourself - 200 feet from the water source.

Garbage
Pack out everything you pack in. Burying, scattering or burning food scraps will only attract animals and leave a mess for other people.

Human Waste
Dig a hole 5 or 6 inches deep into the humus layer of soil, at least 200 feet from water.
After use, cover the hole and microorganisms will do the rest.

Stay on the Trail
Stay on the trail to avoid killing vegetation.

Group Size
Keep your group size below 10 people. Larger groups have a much greater impact on the land and on other hiker's enjoyment.

Dogs
Not everyone like dogs. If you bring your dog hiking, have it under physical restraint at all times. Be considerate of other hikers. Carry a leash and use it when around other people, or as necessary - and don't forget to clean up after your dog.

Dogs are a lot like people. Hiking is hard work. If your dog has spent the winter lying under the couch, you can't expect him to be a "super dog" out on the trail. Hiking above tree line, or on rocky, exposed trails can be especially hard on the dog's paws.

Watch your dog for signs of stress and fatigue, making sure to give him plenty of rest and water as needed.

Hypothermia Myths

In the past hypothermia was referred to as "freezing to death" or simply "exposure". This is misleading because many cases of hypothermia occur during the summer at temperatures well above freezing.

What is Hypothermia?
It is lowering the inner core temperature of the body. If uncorrected, the victim can die within a few hours. During the summer, it most frequently strikes fatigued people who get wet and then are exposed to the wind. As air blows over the body, it removes heat very quickly, especially if the body is wet. As the body temperature decreases, even a few degrees, it is undergoing hypothermia. If this continues, cold will reach the brain, depriving the victim of judgement and reasoning power.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

If you detect or suspect hypothermia in yourself or others take immediate steps to restore normal body temperature:

• Get the victim out of the wind and rain.
• Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry garments.
• Keep the victim dry.
• If the victim is conscious, give warm drinks and high energy foods.
• In advanced cases, warm the victim yourself by skin-to-skin contact inside a sleeping bag to retain heat. Victims of hypothermia cannot produce enough heat of their own.

Prevention is the best cure:

• Avoid getting wet
• Beware of the wind
• Dress warmly
• Cotton next to the skin may keep the body damp
• Wool clothing will insulate even when wet

If you encounter foul weather:

• Start a warming fire
• Set up camp as soon as possible (while you still have an energy reserve)
• Stay put

Even mild hypothermia symptoms demand immediate treatment!